Score computed from verified review sentiment, ingredient efficacy, and cross-platform consistency.
Reviewed by Flash AI Editorial Team · Last updated March 2026.
This cleanser effectively tackles acne and blemishes by utilizing 0.5% salicylic acid, which helps to unclog pores and remove excess sebum. Users report seeing improvements in their skin within a week of consistent use, making it a go-to for managing breakouts.
Adorebeauty.Co.Nz
5 User
The cleanser is praised for its gentle formulation, being alcohol-free and suitable for sensitive and oily skin types. It effectively cleanses without stripping the skin of its natural moisture, leaving it feeling soft and smooth, which is a significant benefit for those prone to irritation.
The cleanser has a pleasant, mild scent, described as citrus or lemon peel, which is not overpowering. This makes the daily cleansing routine more enjoyable for users who prefer subtle fragrances in their skincare products.
Users appreciate the cleanser's texture, describing it as smooth and creamy, which lathers well to create a mild to full foaming action. This texture contributes to a pleasant application experience, drawing out impurities from pores effectively.
Despite being named a 'gentle' cleanser, some users, particularly those with dry or sensitive skin, report that it can be drying and stripping. This can lead to skin feeling rough, over-dried, and potentially cause new acne breakouts.
Some users find the 0.5% salicylic acid concentration to be too low for significant acne treatment, suggesting it functions more as an exfoliant than a potent acne cleanser. For more serious acne concerns, alternative products with higher concentrations might be more effective.
The cleanser's high pH level (around 9.5) has been noted by some users, who suggest this could contribute to its drying effect on the skin. This is in contrast to other cleansers with a more balanced pH of 5.5.
Flash AI analyzes thousands of reviews across Amazon, Nykaa, YouTube & Reddit, etc. to give you one honest score — and finds you the best price in India.
The COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser is a cream-form face wash designed to target acne, clogged pores, blackheads, and whiteheads using salicylic acid as its primary active. On Flash AI, it scores 76 out of 100, with strong marks in Acne Control (85) and Texture and Scent (80). Those scores draw on 79,366 verified reviews across 5 platforms, placing it among the more extensively reviewed cleansers in the acne care segment. The 150 ml tube suits both morning and evening daily routines without adding bulk to your shelf.
Salicylic acid is the only listed key ingredient in this formulation. Reviewer insights indicate it works by dissolving excess sebum and dead skin within the pore, helping to clear blackheads, whiteheads, and active breakouts. The highlighted benefits in the specifications confirm its exfoliating and anti-acne action. The formula is alcohol-free, which minimises additional dryness for sensitised skin. It is vegan, cruelty-free, and not tested on animals. The product originates from South Korea. Its cream form lathers into a mild to full foam when mixed with water, and reviewers describe the texture as smooth and creamy with effective pore-clearing action. The specifications list this product as unscented, though several users note a mild citrus-like scent during use.
This cleanser suits oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin types as listed in its specifications, though reviewer feedback adds important nuance. Those with oily or acne-prone skin report the most benefit, with visible improvement in breakouts after around one week of consistent use. Excess sebum control and pore clarity are the most cited gains. However, users with dry or sensitive skin frequently report a drying and stripping sensation, with some experiencing tightness and post-cleansing breakouts. Some reviewers note the salicylic acid level may not be sufficient for moderate or severe acne, positioning this better as a daily maintenance cleanser than an intensive treatment option. Reviewer concerns about a higher-than-expected pH level also appear in the feedback, with some attributing the drying effect to this factor.
Flash AI rates this cleanser at 76 out of 100, reflecting solid acne control performance and a well-regarded texture, balanced against moderate gentleness scores. Across 13 sellers in India, prices range from ₹637 to ₹4100. At ₹637, this is a cost-effective pick for daily acne management on oily skin. The value case weakens for dry or sensitive skin, where the stripping effect reduces overall benefit. For oily or acne-prone skin that needs an alcohol-free salicylic acid cleanser for daily use, this delivers consistently at the lower price points. Compare seller prices to access the ₹637 entry rate before purchasing.
"With a Flash AI Score of 76/100, COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser (150 ml) earns its ranking through demonstrated, cross-platform results."
— Flash AI Editorial TeamCOSRX is a South Korean skincare brand founded in 2013, known globally for its minimal-ingredient, dermatologist-tested formulations. Hero products include the Snail Mucin Essence and Low pH Good Morning Cleanser. Widely imported and available across Nykaa, Amazon India, and BeautyBarn in India.
| Features | Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser | Dot & Key Barrier Repair + Hydrating | Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser | Pilgrim Tea Tree Purifying Gel Face Wash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key Actives | Exfoliating, Anti-acne | Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, Rice Water… | Glycerin, Niacinamide, Panthenol | 1% Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree Extracts… |
| Best For | Men & Women | Men & Women | Men & Women | Men & Women |
| Fragrance | Unscented | Unscented | Unscented | Scented |
| Price From | ₹637 | ₹231 | ₹1471 | ₹150 |
"Texture:Smooth Effectiveness:1 week ko pa lang siya na try at may nakita na akong pagbabago sa face ko. Fragrance:Hindi Strong ang smell nya sakto lang. My ..."
"I've been using this for a week and I can already see a difference. My pores look smaller and my skin is less oily."
"Texture:mild bubbling to a full-on foaming texture Effectiveness:Great Fragrance:Little to no scent I never believed in "great product" in skin care just ..."
The specifications list this cleanser for daily use in both morning and evening routines. To apply, dispense a moderate amount into your hand, add water and lather, massage gently onto your face and neck while avoiding the eye area, then rinse with warm water. If you are new to salicylic acid cleansers, beginning with once-daily use gives your skin time to adjust before you move to twice daily.
The product specifications include sensitive skin as a compatible skin type, and the alcohol-free formula removes one common irritant. However, a notable number of reviewers with sensitive skin report a drying and stripping effect with regular use, leading to tightness and occasional post-wash breakouts. If your skin is sensitive, test with once-daily use and monitor closely for irritation before increasing frequency.
Salicylic acid is this cleanser's listed key active ingredient. Based on verified reviewer insights, it works by penetrating the pore to dissolve excess sebum and dead skin buildup that causes blackheads, whiteheads, and clogged pores. This exfoliating action targets active breakouts with consistent daily use. As a rinse-off cleanser, the active has limited contact time with the skin, so results build gradually over days and weeks rather than appearing immediately.
Reviewer feedback indicates that many users notice improvement in acne and breakouts within approximately one week of consistent daily use. Results vary based on individual skin type and the severity of existing concerns. Those with oily and acne-prone skin tend to report the most noticeable changes, including reduced breakouts and clearer pores over time.
Yes, this is a documented concern in reviewer feedback. Users with dry or sensitive skin frequently report a drying and stripping effect, with skin feeling rough or tight after washing. Some reviewers also point to the cleanser's pH level, noting it may sit higher than ideal for a skin-barrier-friendly formula, which they link to the drying sensation. If you experience dryness, reduce usage to once daily or consider a cleanser formulated specifically for dry skin.
Unlike a basic face wash that clears only surface-level dirt and oil, this cleanser uses salicylic acid to exfoliate within the pore and target sebum and dead skin buildup that causes breakouts. This makes it better suited for managing acne and oiliness over time, not just day-to-day surface cleansing. Reviewers note, however, that the salicylic acid level may not address moderate or severe acne on its own, so a more targeted treatment may still be necessary for persistent breakouts.
This cleanser is available across 13 sellers in India, with prices starting at ₹637. Prices vary significantly across sellers, reaching up to ₹4100 for the same 150 ml product. Comparing prices on major Indian retail platforms before purchasing is the most effective way to access the lowest available rate and avoid overpaying.
The cleanser has a smooth, creamy texture that activates into a mild to full foam when mixed with water. Reviewers describe the lathering as effective at drawing out impurities without leaving residue behind. Users with oily skin generally report their skin feels clean and refreshed after rinsing. Those with drier skin types occasionally report a tight or stripped feeling post-wash.
The product specifications list daily use as the intended application frequency across oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin types. As a rinse-off formula, salicylic acid makes brief contact with the skin compared to leave-on treatments, which limits prolonged exposure. Those with dry or sensitive skin should start with once-daily use and monitor for signs of dryness or irritation, based on the stripping effects reported by some reviewers.
The provided product specifications do not include a stated shelf life after opening. To find this information, check the tube or outer packaging for a PAO (Period After Opening) symbol, which specifies the recommended period of use once the product is first opened. Storing the tube away from direct sunlight and heat helps maintain product stability.
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